Eddie Howe has praised one Newcastle United player he believed was ‘very good’ in unfamiliar circumstances.
The Magpies’ first Premier League game has concluded, and it is a point on the board for Eddie Howe’s side, who were held away at Aston Villa.
There was no Alexander Isak in sight for Newcastle United, with the player still digging their heels in over speculation that a move to Liverpool could be on the horizon. With their absence confirmed, Newcastle fans criticised Isak with chants, calling him ‘greedy’.
Anthony Elanga made his competitive debut for Newcastle, putting in a strong performance before coming off for Jacob Murphy. Additionally, Sandro Tonali played brilliantly in midfield. The Italian is in line to play their first full season with the Magpies, with his suspension ending a few games after the start of last season.
With Newcastle happy to take a point in the circumstances, Howe was quick to praise one player who was forced into unfamiliar territory against Villa.
Anthony Gordon applauds the Newcastle United supporters following their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Eddie Howe praises Anthony Gordon for performance vs Aston Villa
Anthony Gordon will be proud of himself for stepping up and taking the reins at striker in Isak’s absence. Howe could have easily chosen William Osula, who is a natural striker, but instead opted for Gordon, who put in a promising performance.
The 24-year-old will likely lead the line against Liverpool if Isak is still away from the first team picture, with the hope that he can find the back of the net in their first game back at St James’ Park.
Post-match, Howe was keen to heap praise on the England international, who usually plays on the left wing, rather than up front.
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“I can’t criticise anyone who played today,” Howe told BBC Sport.
“I thought Anthony Gordon was very good in that position. I couldn’t fault his performance. I think we have to focus at how the team functioned rather than any individual.
“If you’re not totally together in the Premier League, you’re going to find it very difficult. I think we answered a few questions today in terms of our spirit. We have to do that on a regular basis, not just today.”
Some feel as though Isak’s omission from the first team may have sent a ripple effect through the squad, but that has been far from the case.
Tonali said the Newcastle players are still together without Isak, a sign that there are no issues internally aside from the Sweden international’s current transfer saga.
“It’s been difficult because we’re such a tight-knit group,” Gordon said.
“We’ve never really had any problems publicly and that’s been the first thing that’s happened – it’s tested us.
“You can see today we’ve still got that spirit and togetherness, we work on it every day. It’s never going to go regardless of individuals. We’re a top group, our togetherness is top and it always will be. We’re so together anyway,
“I think things like this can battle test you and make you better in the end and I think that will be the case.”